Meet the Rise & Shine Team

The Rise & Shine team is made up of four women, Leanne, Judy, Jill and Rachel. Like the women who attend Rise & Shine Women’s Retreat, the Rise & Shine team members are women of different ages, in varying stages of life and are even from different places. Yet, we all have one thing in common, a desire to minister to the hearts of women. We are grateful for the way God has worked in our own lives; we want others to experience His hope, love and peace as well.  To God be the glory!!

Our goal is to encourage women to “rise” up to who God created them to be…to help refresh women on their walk of faith…to help women renew their strengths to “shine” His light.

Leanne Anderson lives in Nashua, IA. She is a fabric designer with her own kit and pattern company. She and her husband, Ed, have three grown children and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first grandchild in December. She has spent many years leading high school youth and enjoys her current role in youth ministry at Orchard Hill Church in Cedar Falls.

Judy Walsten lives in Cedar Falls, IA. She retired from the children’s ministry staff at Orchard Hill Church last year. She enjoys spending time with her family, participating in mission work and traveling with her husband, Mike. She and Mike have two grown children, two grandsons and are looking forward to welcoming their third grandchild in December.

(Note: Leanne’s daughter and Judy’s son are married. The grandchild Leanne is expecting in December is the same one Judy is expecting in December. Now that’s one blessed baby!!)

Jill Beran lives in rural Lime Springs, IA.  She is the wife of Job, a farmer, and the mom of four children, J.D. (7), Joy (5), Jaylyn (3) and Jed (10 months). She home schools her two oldest children, is the local MOPS group coordinator and teaches women’s Sunday school. To learn more about Jill visit her blog click here.

Rachel Beran lives in rural Elma, IA (she and Jill are married to cousins, hence the same last name). She is the wife of Alan, a farmer, and the mommy of  two boys, Andrew (3) and Noah (4 months). She enjoys being a stay-at-home mom and wife, working in women’s ministry and teaching Sunday school. To learn more about Rachel visit her blog click here.

Both Jill and Rachel attend Saratoga Presbyterian Church, a small church in Saratoga, IA.

Along with the Rise & Shine team are many others who make Rise & Shine happen...many volunteers, production team, sound person, worship team, special music providers, reflection time facilitators, prayer team, decorator, food service providers, etc.  Rise & Shine could not happen without so many people working together to "rise" up and "shine" His light with their talents!

Thank you for taking the time to get to know us a little better today. We are praying for all the women who will attend and look forward to seeing YOU at Rise & Shine 2010. If we haven’t already met face to face, come up and introduce yourself! In the mean time, you can contact us at riseandshineretreat@yahoo.com with any questions or prayer requests (or call one of the phone numbers below).

Leanne Andrerson 641-435-2213 or Jill Beran 641-985-2972

"Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to Him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen." Ephesians 3:20-21